Schwedler

The term "Schwedler" most commonly refers to August Schwedler (1823-1894), a German civil engineer. He is primarily known for his contributions to the field of structural engineering, particularly in the design and analysis of trusses.

Schwedler Truss: The most significant association with the name is the Schwedler Truss, a specific type of bridge truss design. Schwedler trusses are characterized by vertical web members at the supports and a sloping diagonal system throughout the rest of the span. The diagonals are typically designed to carry tension only, while the verticals handle compression. This arrangement often results in a more economical use of materials, especially in longer span bridges, as it optimizes the distribution of forces.

Schwedler Theorem (often called Ritter's Method or Method of Sections): While less directly attributed solely to Schwedler, the principles he espoused contributed to the development and refinement of methods for analyzing forces within truss structures. He advocated for a systematic approach to calculating internal forces by considering sections of the truss and applying static equilibrium equations. This is closely related to what is often called Ritter's Method of Sections, a fundamental technique in structural analysis.

Beyond Truss Design: Schwedler's work extended beyond just truss design. He was involved in various railway projects and contributed to the broader understanding of structural mechanics during his time. He published extensively on bridge construction and related topics.